Guide

Heading North A Seasonal Journey

As the fishing season persists, fishermen across Turkey embark on maritime adventures, trying their luck in the bountiful seas. With the onset of summer, they bid farewell to the Mediterranean, the Aegean, and the Marmara, setting course for the cooler and nutrient-rich waters of the Black Sea. Much like their terrestrial counterparts, fish in these northern waters migrate to the highlands, where they feast throughout the summer. As autumn approaches, the aquatic journey begins, and schools of fish sweep down the Bosphorus in a natural migration that has unfolded for millennia.

Sonar Surveillance and Migration Interruption

However, a modern challenge has emerged at the entrance of the Black Sea into the Bosphorus. Fishermen equipped with giant sonar devices lie in wait, disrupting the traditional migration pattern by intercepting fish before they enter the strait Fish and Istanbul. This inter

A Culinary Legacy

A Timeless Duo Fish and the Bosphorus

Fish and the Bosphorus, a timeless duo that echoes through the heart of Istanbul. Beyond a mere slogan, this pairing represents a cherished legacy intertwining nature, taste, and culinary expertise. Once as abundant as bread, fish has been an integral part of Istanbul’s identity since ancient times. The city’s unique geography provides an ideal environment for fish breeding, growth, and capture. Fish that thrive in the Black Sea find their way into weirs along the undulating Bosphorus coastline. Along the Golden Horn, various processing techniques such as salting, pickling, drying, smoking, and brine curing transform these catches before they grace the market. Through the centuries Istanbul’s Culinary Rediscovery, fish, as evidenced by coins stamped with dolphins and bonito, has become an inseparable part of Istanbul life.

Culinary Tradit

Temples, Museums, and Ancient Altars

Kizil Avlu (Serapis Temple) A Marvel in Red Bricks

Built in 244 A.C. by Roman Emperor Hadrianus as an offering to the Egyptian god Serapis, Kizil Avlu, or “The Scarlet Courtyard,” stands out among the seven churches mentioned in the Bible. Its 19-meter high walls, constructed with vibrant red bricks, were meticulously transported by hand from brick kilns 15 kilometers away along the shores of Bakircay. Notably, the temple’s entrance boasts the region’s largest marble block, making it a unique and historic structure Discovering Bergama.

Bergama Archaeological Museum

The Bergama Archaeological Museum houses an array of artifacts spanning the Glazed Stone Age, Early Bronze Age, Archaic, Classic, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Its ethnographical section showcases regional carpets, fabrics, kilims, and various handicrafts. The museum’s court

Where History Unfolds

Bergama’s Historical Tapestry

Bergama, known as the cradle of psychotherapy and the birthplace of parchment, welcomes visitors with a rich history that once hosted Lydians, Persians, and Greeks. The city’s name, derived from Pergamos or Pergamum, meaning “castle,” has deep roots in mythology. The renowned hero Achilles’ grandson, Pergamon, fled Greece, triumphed in a duel against Kir and Areos in Anatolia, and established the city atop Acropolis Hill, naming it after himself. Positioned at the confluence of Bakircay and the sea, Bergama gradually shifted inland over time due to substantial sedimentation.

The Parchment Saga

Eumenes II, King of Bergama, erected the Royal Library, once among the ancient world’s largest libraries. A fierce competition with Alexandria Library led to an embargo on papyrus, pushing the people of Bergama to seek alternative materials. This quest resulted in the disco

An Underwater Wonderland

World-Class Diving Schools

Ka§ proudly stands as one of the world’s premier diving centers, hosting 13 schools with dedicated and reliable trainers. Diving enthusiasts worldwide flock to Kas, seeking the thrill of exploring the depths, where the hues transition from turquoise to blue and azure.

Unveiling Ancient Shipwrecks

The depths surrounding Ka§ reveal the commercial life of the ancient world through sunken wrecks. Notably, the Bodrum Museum displays the oldest recovered shipwreck from Uluburun. Kas offers a unique world featuring both ancient and modern wrecks Exploring Bergama’s Treasures, along with natural caves that create numerous diving spots. Notable caves include Hidrellez, Bayindir, Mavi Magara (Blue Cave), Guvercinlik Ini, and İncirli.

Soar with Slope Parachuting

Experience the sensation of flying with slope parachute courses in Ka§,

Sultanahmet is a quarter that has experienced a rebirth, rising from the ashes scattered over it once upon a time. It never misses the opportunity for change.

French singer Jacques Brel, who eloquently conveyed the feelings, emotions, moods, and expectations of individuals just after the Second World War in his song “Les Vieux,” remarked, “Old people are like living dead… They live in their memories.” The old quarter of Istanbul, Sultanahmet, echoes a similar sentiment. Like old people, it lives with memories. Sultanahmet, from time to time, appears to be “like a living dead,” either asleep for a long period or giving the impression of having fallen asleep. Nevertheless, Sultanahmet, despite its advanced age, consistently adapts to modern times. It surprises The Unique Place Where Everyone Plays Chess, reviving itself through the energy derived from being the cradle of civili

We can confidently assert that Bahcesaray is the exclusive settlement in our country where everyone, without exception, engages in chess playing. It is genuinely remarkable to witness children, grandfathers, and grandmothers all participating in chess games together. While the county’s isolation from other regions provides people with ample free time, it cannot be merely attributed to the primary reason for this widespread interest in chess; rather, it is the fundamental cause for its adoption and dissemination. Chess brings a distinctiveness to Bahcesaray. The author of this text has organized “the National Bahcesaray Chess Festivities” there for three years in coordination with the municipality and district governorship. These festivities have garnered interest nationwide, contributing to the county’s public recognition.

Lure is Present, Tourism Thrives

Bahcesaray remains an undiscovered gem in terms of tourism, presenting itself as a true t

Let’s explore Tevkifhane Street, then move on to Kapiagzi and Ishakpapa Street from Utangap Street. As we walk downhill, we’ll reach Cankurtaran Square. We can pause for a cup of tea or coffee at the late Erol Tap’s café on Cankurtaran Square, surrounded by the sounds of passing trains. The front part of the café where we sit is a typical Roman Square. Let’s venture into the old alleys for a while and transport ourselves back to the Byzantine era. Ponder about the sailors calling at the port. Try to listen to the languages of those coming from Egypt, Phoenicia, the Black Sea coasts, and Venice. If you make an effort, maybe you can hear their footsteps.

Ahıirkapi

Now, turn into the narrow street next to the café. Continue walking, greeting the old women sitting in front of doors, passing by charming guesthouses, some resembling a theatrical set, and others restored and offered for tourism. Observe the front parts of windows adorned with ros